CHAPTER 7

National Security Agency headquarters, Fort Meade, MD. May 5, 2008. 128 hours

Tommy Rockwell walked unfazed into his boss's office. The beast of an NSA agent respected his powerful boss but didn't fear him. He knew him too well.

"Sit down, Tommy," Director of the Nation Security Agency said. Tommy sat down in the chair in front of the directors desk.

Charlie Elerson's appearance in no way mirrored his power. He was tall but skinny, with only a small amount of muscle mass. His black hair was often disheveled, but his face was stern. It was a face that demanded respect.

Tommy was another story. He was tall and very muscular. He was also handsome. His jaw was square, his eyes a cool blue. He almost always had a smile on. His thick chocolate colored hair was always a little messy, but in a sexy way.

"We're sending you back to Afghanistan," Elerson said.

"More war intelligence?" Tommy mused as he leaned back in his chair.

"No,"Elerson answered. "Their sending a mercenary out there."

"You want to to spy on the mercenary?" Tommy asked. It would be an interesting mission at least.

"No," Elerson said. Tommy was a little disappointed.

"We want you to help her," Elerson finished.

"Her? The mercenary's a chick?"

"Yes, the mercenary is a women. While your over there, Tommy, please do your best to keep it in your pants."

Tommy grinned. "I'll try but it's more difficult than you think. How hot is the mercenary? I suppose it's already sexy enough that she kicks ass. She has to kick ass if she's a mercenary."

"Tommy, focus on the case."

"Fine. Helping out the mercenary. Aren't mercenaries supposed to be loners?"

"Not this time," Elerson said. He opened up a yellow government folder that was on his desk. "This one recruited two other people to help her already."

"Is she too weak to do it on her own? That would totally ruin everything."

"No, she's done other missions for the government before. She's the best of the best."

"Your not helping the 'keep it in your pants' thing."

Elerson glared at him. Tommy laughed.

"So, why does she want me?" Tommy asked. "She saw a picture didn't she. I knew-"

"She doesn't want you," Elerson said, cutting Tommy off. "The Secretary of Defense does. Apparently the mercenary has a deck of 52 she's supposed to complete. We have all the intelligence on these guys. Anything the mercenary wants comes from us. Groger wants you to act as...ambassador from the NSA to this mercenary."

"Ambassador? Don't you think my services could be more helpful somewhere else?"

"It's Afghanistan," Elerson said. "You've been there God knows how many times. You know some of these men backwards and forwards. You would be the most helpful. Hey, maybe if the mercenary likes you she'll let you fight with her."

Tommy thought for a minute. "Fine, I'll do it."

"Good," Elerson said handing Tommy the folder. Tommy opened it and looked at it.

"By the way," Elerson said as he stood up. "The mercenary's name is Jess. She's an...interesting personality, especially once she gets in the field. I've met her before and I can honestly say that the only way to describe her, once she's on a mission, is through the lyrics of Limp Bizkit's song, Break Stuff."

"Never heard of it," Tommy said.

"Look it up," Elerson said. He walked toward the door and opened it. Tommy stood up and walked out. As soon as Tommy made it back to his desk he downloaded the song Break Stuff on to his computer and played it.

Its just one of those days

When you don't wanna wake up

Everything is fucked

Everybody sucks

You don't really know why

But you want to justify

Rippin' someone's head off

No human contact

And if you interact

Your life is on contract

Your best bet is to stay away motherfucker

It's just one of those days!

Its all about the he says she says bullshit

I think you better quit

Lettin' shit slip

Or you'll be leavin' with a fat lip

.

Its just one of those days

Feelin' like a freight train

First one to complain

Leaves with a blood stain

I hope you know I pack a chain saw

I'll skin your ass raw

And if my day keeps goin' this way I just might break your fuckin' face tonight!